Wednesday, November 30, 2011

'The Help': A book I just couldn't put down

My favorite thing about reading is getting into a book that is so good that I stay up all night reading it. You know it's a good book when you hear the thump of the newspaper being delivered outside and you still won't go to bed because you have 30 pages left to read.

"The Help" was that book for me this weekend.

Many of you probably know that the movie "The Help" is based on the book of the same name by Kathryn Stockett. I haven't seen the movie, and I'm guessing I will at some point, though I'm worried it will be too much of a bastardization of the story.

"The Help" is about an educated white woman who longs to be a writer - though in 1960s Jackson, Miss., her mother just wants her to be a wife. She gets the idea to tell the stories of what it's like to be the help - the black women who cook and clean and raise the children of the rich white families. But the racial tensions force Skeeter and the maids to meet secretly and cause them all sorts of problems with their families and friends.

I loved so many things about this book. Stockett chose to tell the story from three different perspectives - Skeeter, the writer, and Aibileen and Minny, two maids - which gives the novel a lot of depth. Stockett didn't just write about the women's connections to each other and how they wrote a book, but their relationships with their families, their friends, their lovers and their employers. And she somehow wrote this in a way that there weren't too many characters to keep track of. All of the characters were so vivid that I could picture each of them immediately upon reading their names. Stockett also created clear voices for each of the women, writing in different Southern dialects for each of them. I could hear Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny talking to me as I turned flipped through the pages.

I can't recommend this book enough. Get on your library's website and add yourself to the hold list (which undoubtedly exists).


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

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Monday, November 28, 2011

'Sammy in the Sky' aims to help kids cope with loss of a pet

If you were young when a family pet died - or you lost a family pet when your children were young - then you know the pain and confusion kids can go through with the loss of a pet.

Journalist Barbara Walsh tackles that topic in a new book, "Sammy in the Sky." The book includes illustrations by Jamie Wyeth.

David Sharp of The Associated Press wrote about "Sammy in the Sky" in a feature story this weekend. Walsh tells him that agents and publishers were hesitant to publish the book, which is now in its third printing. Head over to News-Herald.com/Life to read more about the book and the journey to getting it published.


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

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Monday, November 21, 2011

SuperFreakonomics

I finally read "SuperFreakonomics: Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes, and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance", after having read "Freakonomics: The Hidden Side of Everything" a few years ago. I was pretty excited about the sequel, having really enjoyed the first book and all of the interesting correlations it revealed.

But I was kind of disappointed in the second book. I didn't feel the same interest, shock and excitement I had when I read "Freakonomics." Maybe it was because I had been through it before. But it also seemed the writing in the second book wasn't as good as in the first - or maybe I was so interested, shocked and excited when I read the first book that I didn't notice how much the authors jump from topic to topic to topic to topic. I like the connections and conclusions that are drawn in each scenario, but I just found it more difficult to get into them the second time around - or to even follow where they were going.

I'd probably rather listen to these stories and studies than read them, so I'm glad the Freakonomics podcasts exist to let me do just that.

If you haven't checked out the original "Freakonomics," you should definitely do so. If it really grabs you, there's always a second book to pick up (and then the podcasts if you just can't get enough).


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

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Sunday, November 20, 2011

The end of Odds & Book Ends

Typically on Sundays, I fill this space with a listing of events in the coming weeks related to libraries, books, authors, reading and literature. The nature of the listing has evolved since I started it in April 2010, and now it has become too big a project for me to continue. The reality is that I will never be able to list all of the happenings at libraries in the area because there is so much going on. I'd encourage you to stop in at your local library - or visit it online - to see all of the book clubs, meetings, activities and more that are happening every week.

Below, find contact information for all of the libraries in the area. Check it out - and check them out. I'll continue to post here when I see something I find especially interesting is going on - especially if authors are coming in to town. Otherwise, keep your area library - or this blog post - bookmarked, and check out www.News-Herald.com/Calendar to find a listing of events in the area and submit your own.

Lake County

Eastlake Library
36706 Lake Shore Blvd.
440-942-7880
Willoughby-Eastlake Library on Facebook


Fairport Harbor Public Library
335 E. Vine St.
440-354-8191
Fairport Harbor Public Library on Facebook


Kirtland Library
9267 Chillicothe Road
440-256-7323
Kirtland Library on Facebook


Madison Library
6111 Middle Ridge Road
440-428-2189
Madison Library on Facebook


Mentor Library
8215 Mentor Ave.
440-255-8811
email the library or subscribe to RSS feeds
Mentor Library on Facebook


Morley Library
184 Phelps St., Painesville
440-352-3383
Morley Library on Facebook


Perry Library
3753 Main St.
440-259-3300
askus@perry.lib.oh.us
Perry Library on Facebook


Wickliffe Library
1713 Lincoln Road
440-944-6010


Willoughby Library
30 Public Square
440-942-3200
Willoughby-Eastlake Library on Facebook


Willoughby Hills Library
35400 Chardon Road
440-942-3362
Willoughby-Eastlake Library on Facebook


Willowick Library,
263 E. 305th St.
440-943-4151
Willoughby-Eastlake Library on Facebook


Geauga County

Bainbridge Library
17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls
440-543-5611
bainbridge.library@geaugalibrary.info
Bainbridge Library on Facebook


Burton Library
14588 W. Park St.
440-834-4466
email@burton.lib.oh.us
Burton Library on Facebook


Chardon Library
110 E. Park St.
440-285-7601
chardon.library@geaugalibrary.info
Chardon Library on Facebook


Geauga West Library
13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township
440-729-4250
geauga.west@geaugalibrary.info
Geauga West Library on Facebook


Middlefield Library
16167 E. High St.
440-632-1961
middlefield.library@geaugalibrary.info
Middlefield Library on Facebook


Newbury Library Station
14775 Auburn Road
440-564-7552
newbury.librarystation@geaugalibrary.info


Thompson Library Station
16700 Thompson Road
440-298-3831
thompson.librarystation@geaugalibrary.info


Cuyahoga County

Chagrin Falls Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library
100 E. Orange St.
440-247-3556
email the branch manager
Chagrin Falls Friends on Facebook


Cleveland Library
525 E. Superior Ave.
216-623-2800
email the library
Cleveland Library on Facebook


Euclid Library
631 E. 222nd St.
216-261-5300
Euclid Library on Facebook


Mayfield Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library
6080 Wilson Mills Road, Mayfield Village
440-473-0350
email the branch manager


Richmond Heights Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library
5235 Wilson Mills Road
440-449-2666
email the branch manager


South Euclid-Lyndhurst Branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library
4645 Mayfield Road, South Euclid
216-382-4880
email the branch manager


Ashtabula County

Geneva Library
860 Sherman St.
440-466-4521
Ashtabula County District Library on Facebook


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Odds and Book Ends (Nov. 14-20)

Odds and Book Ends features activities and events in the area related to libraries, books and authors. Submit your events at www.News-Herald.com/Calendar, and check back to The Book Club every week for upcoming events and activities at your local library.

This week

Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. will present a free three-part series of computer classes offered through a Connect Ohio Grant. Classes will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on the following days: Basic Computers, Nov. 19; Basic Internet, Nov. 14 and 26; and Using Email, Nov. 21 and Dec. 17. Register: 440-943-4151.


Beecology will be 7 p.m. Nov. 14 in the James R. Garfield Room at Mentor Library, 8215 Mentor Ave. The program is the third offered in the Monday University at the Library series. Dave Rzepka, co-owner of Beecology, will discuss bee culture, natural skincare products using honey and beeswax, and other beneficial ingredients that originate from the world of bees. Refreshments will be provided, courtesy of the Friends of the Mentor Library. Registration required: 440-255-8811 or mentorpl.org.


Joe the Coupon Guy will present a class at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls. Details: Bainbridge Library website.


Euclid resident and author Bruce Double'u will be signing his novel "Euclid's Boys League All Stars" from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 15 at Euclid's Beach Club Bistro, 21939 Lake Shore Blvd. The book is based on the actual achievement of youth baseball team that concluded an undefeated, five-tournament run in 1979.


Real Murders Book Discussion meets at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. November's featured book is "Murder in Amsterdam" by Ian Buruma. Register: 440-942-3200.


Mary Ellis, bestselling author of Amish fiction, will sign books from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 18 at Sparrow Christian Bookshop, 14962 S. State Ave., Middlefield. Learn more about Ellis and the event on The News-Herald's Community Calendar. Contact the shop at 440-632-0011 or www.sparrowchristian.com.


Friends of the Geneva Library, 860 Sherman St., will have a used book sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19. Money raised at this final sale of the year will benefit the library. The sale will include hard cover, paperbacks, DVDs, magazines and more. Geneva Library book bags will be available for $2. Details: 440-466-4521.


Coming up

"Ten Steps to Living With Lupus" meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. Reservations are required for each step at 440-717-0183 or info@lupuscleveland.org. The program is presented by the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.


Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.


Ongoing events

The Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library is seeking to fill a vacancy on its board of trustees. Potential candidates must be registered voters and residents of Willoughby Hills. Information and application forms are available at the circulation desk at each of the Willoughby-Eastlake libraries. Application deadline is 5 p.m. Nov. 14. For details, call 440-944-6900, ext. 113.


Bring your chess board to Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, the third Saturday of every month at noon and join others who like to play. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.madison-library.info


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

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Sunday, November 6, 2011

Odds and Book Ends (Nov. 7-13)

Odds and Book Ends features activities and events in the area related to libraries, books and authors. Submit your events at www.News-Herald.com/Calendar, and check back to The Book Club every week for upcoming events and activities at your local library.

This week

The library story time program for children 24 months and younger runs Mondays from the week of Sept. 26 through Nov. 14, at 6:30 p.m. at Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. Caregivers attend with children for all story times. Register: 440-943-4151.


Willowick Library, 263 E. 305th St. will present a free three-part series of computer classes offered through a Connect Ohio Grant. Classes will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on the following days: Basic Computers, Nov. 7 and 19; Basic Internet, Nov. 14 and 26; and Using Email, Nov. 21 and Dec. 17. Register: 440-943-4151.


West Geauga Friends of the Library's fall book sale begins Nov. 9 with a members' preview from 4 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the open public sale from 6:30 to 8:30. Memberships will be available at the door. Hours for the sale - at Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chester Township - are 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 10, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 11, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12, which will be $3 bag day. A variety of of materials will be available, including fiction, nonfiction, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, games and more. Books range in price from 25 cents to $1. Special books, such as collector books, first editions and recent best sellers are priced individually. Donations will be accepted until Nov. 1 during regular hours, and collections resume after the sale Nov. 14. Funds raised from the book sale benefit the adult and children programs and purchases at the Geauga West Library. Details: 440-729-4250.


Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, will celebrate National Gaming Day 2011 by playing a live Pac-Man game from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Nov. 12 (before the library opens for library patrons). The game is for youths in third grade and older, who are invited to try their luck or skill at being the famous yellow character. Plan to wear comfortable shoes. Prizes will be awarded to the top Pac-Man players. Register: 440-428-2189 or www.madison-library.info.


Coming up

Joe the Coupon Guy will present a class at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls. Details: Bainbridge Library website.


Euclid resident and author Bruce Double'u will be signing his novel "Euclid's Boys League All Stars" from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 15 at Euclid's Beach Club Bistro, 21939 Lake Shore Blvd. The book is based on the actual achievement of youth baseball team that concluded an undefeated, five-tournament run in 1979.


Real Murders Book Discussion meets at 7 p.m. Nov. 16 at Willoughby Library, 30 Public Square. November's featured book is "Murder in Amsterdam" by Ian Buruma. Register: 440-942-3200.


Friends of the Geneva Library, 860 Sherman St., will have a used book sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19. Money raised at this final sale of the year will benefit the library. The sale will include hard cover, paperbacks, DVDs, magazines and more. Geneva Library book bags will be available for $2. Details: 440-466-4521.


Writings from the Heretics: Anabaptist Literature, its origins and significance today will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 at Middlefield Library, 16167 E. High St. The three-part program by John Gingerich will examine forbidden Anabaptist Bibles and Testaments; Anabaptist Hymnals and Prayer Books; and Martyrologies, Histories and Confessions of Faith. Books significant to Amish - Mennonite - Anabaptist history, dating back to the 1500s, will be on display. Gingerich recently finished translating History of the Bernese Anabaptists, which will be available to purchase at the programs. Come to one or all of the programs. Also bring in your own pre-1900 German Bibles, hymnals, prayer books and other old German documents for a Show-and-Tell after the programs. Register: 440-632-1961.


Ongoing events

The Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library is seeking to fill a vacancy on its board of trustees. Potential candidates must be registered voters and residents of Willoughby Hills. Information and application forms are available at the circulation desk at each of the Willoughby-Eastlake libraries. Application deadline is 5 p.m. Nov. 14. For details, call 440-944-6900, ext. 113.


Bring your chess board to Madison Library, 6111 Middle Ridge Road, the third Saturday of every month at noon and join others who like to play. All ages and skill levels welcome. www.madison-library.info


-- Cheryl Sadler | CSadler@News-Herald.com | @nhcheryl

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